For this month’s The Beauty Thread, we’re talking all things in-flight beauty with our Managing Director, Charlotte.

As someone who likes to travel the globe in search of sun, sea and vitamin D, this month’s Global Beauty provides the perfect opportunity to reveal some of my travel tips on how I look after my skin; pre, during and post-flight. In preparation for my trip to NYC this month, I’m reaching for my tried and tested products from around the globe…

PRE-FLIGHT

pre-flight-cleanseIf you have walked off a long-haul flight, you will know how dehydrated your skin will feel. It is important to prep the skin accordingly and to ensure you board the plane with as clean and hydrated skin as possible.

Step 1: Cleanse
I encourage a good cleanse before flying and swear by the American brand Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. It’s brilliant at polishing away the impurities we’re exposed to in London! Lather a small amount in your hand and add a splash of water to create a creamy hydrating lather. A little extra tip – if you want a really thorough cleanse, you can use this cleanser all over your body for head-to-toe soft skin. After all, your skin is not just your face, it is the largest organ of the body!

maskStep 2: Face mask
The biggest skincare trend to have hit 2017 was the introduction of sheet masks, allowing us to transform our skin in mere minutes – perfect if you’re short of time pre-flight (this is me almost every time I fly – when will I learn?!). Oh K! is a leading Korean Beauty Brand and boasts a large selection of high-performing, playful trend-led masks. Seeing as we are in May (how did that happen?) and the Summer is now in sight (hooray!), I’m using the Oh K! Vitamin C Watermelon Sheet Mask – a lovely pink sheet mask that smells of Summer and is bursting with vitamin C to brighten the skin. Apply the mask to your face and leave for 10 – 20 minutes to see maximum benefits. Once you remove the mask, there is no need to rinse your skin, just gently massage in any residual liquid and you’re done.

moisturisngStep 3: Moisturise
The one brand I’ve used since the beginning of time when it comes to my skincare routine is Elemis. The Pro-Collagen range is my go-to. Recently I discovered the Elemis Superfood Day Cream, which smells amazing and contains anti-oxidant rich oils and vitamin rich supergreens. This is the perfect product for pre-flight and in-flight use to replenish my skin.

charlotteflightbagIN-FLIGHT

The most important thing you can do here is drink plenty of water. There are also a few must-haves I take on the flight with me. First up is the award-winning Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. This little product comes with huge responsibility; it’s so versatile. I use it as a lip balm and also apply to my hands and nails. The trick is in the name – this product is clinically shown to hydrate and protect skin for eight hours, perfect for a long-haul flight. Personally, I like to smell nice when flying, even if my fellow passengers might not! A couple of years ago we featured Miller Harris’ Rose Silence in our annual limited-edition Beauty Advent Calendar. It was at that point that I fell in love with the brand. Rose Silence is a beautifully delicate scent and I am completely addicted.

POST-FLIGHT

laura-mercierI try to fly with minimal to no makeup on. Your skin will love you for it if you can! However, just before I leave the plane, I like to apply Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer – Radiance Bronze. With my olive skin, this product gives my skin a really lovely warm underlying glow – much needed after a long flight. This product is surprisingly moisturising and just adds a beautiful touch of brightness to my skin.

The other product I always take with me is a protective mist for my hair. As a sun worshipper, unfortunately my hair has fallen victim to over-exposure of sun, salt and chlorine. Your hair also suffers from the air-conditioning on a plane, so a trusty hair product is important and serves a multi-purpose. I highly recommend System Professional’s Solar Sun Oil. The rich oil provides a UV filter while conditioning hair with its nourishing oils and a generous spoonful of keratin. It’s simple to use and can be applied to dry or wet hair. Simply apply four pumps of the oil through your hair to reveal luscious holiday locks.

Last but not least, my final travel hero is the This Works Sleep Power Nap Spray. I find it difficult to sleep when I’m abroad, particularly after a long flight when jetlag starts to set in. If you haven’t tried this product, you must. A natural sleep aid, this product contains chamomile and lavender – two best friends when it comes to relaxing and resting.

Recommended products //

Why not master your travel routine by adding these products to your next box?

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Oh K! Vitamin C Watermelon Sheet Mask
System Professional Solar Sun Oil
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (Style Beauty Awards box)